I designed a paper insert for an irregularly-shaped package (approx. 9” x 13”). I recieved a frantic phone call the afternoon the art was supposed to ship to the printer.
Client: You made the file too small. It’ll never fit!
Me: I’m looking at the design on my screen right now. The InDesign document seems correct. Nine inches by thirteen inches, right? You were there when I measured it and double-checked the numbers.
Client: Exactly! I don’t know how you managed to screw this up!
Me: Are you sure your zoom isn’t set to ‘fit screen?’
Client: I just checked, it’s at 100%. We’re under a deadline and I don’t have time to deal with your incompetence.
Me: I understand. I’m just trying to find the source of the problem. Can I ask how you know it’s too small? How did you measure it?
Client: I printed it and cut it out myself, obviously. On my home printer.
Me: You have a large format printer? Most home-office models can only take paper 8.5 inches wide, and can’t print right to the edge, so the available space is something like 7 inches wide.
Client: Oh, hah, that’s right. Sorry to scare you like that, the file is probably fine. But just to be sure, can you fax me the printout here at home? I want to be 100% sure.
